In line with UNICEF’s commitment to work not only for children but with them—by listening to their voices, providing platforms to amplify their views, and empowering them to shape issues that affect their lives—UNICEF India has announced the induction of three new UNICEF India Youth Advocates.
The newly appointed Youth Advocates are Shyam Shukla (15) from Karnataka, Prasiddhi Singh (13) from Tamil Nadu, and Unnathi Suranaa (19) from Gujarat. At 13 and 15, Prasiddhi and Shyam are the youngest to take on this role. Each of them brings strong commitment to social causes, the ability to inspire peers, and the potential to grow as positive role models for young people across India.
They join the existing cohort of UNICEF India Youth Advocates—Gauranshi Sharma (Madhya Pradesh), Kartik Verma (Uttar Pradesh), and Nahid Afrin (Assam)—who were appointed in 2023 and 2024.
Welcoming the new Advocates, UNICEF India Representative Cynthia McCaffrey said, “Children and young people are keen to imagine and to follow their dreams — they are actively shaping solutions for their communities and our shared future. Every child’s perspective counts and strengthens our ability to fulfil our promise for quality health, education and protection for every child.”
UNICEF India Youth Advocates are part of a growing global network of young champions who promote child rights and advocate for wider spaces for dialogue at local, national, and international platforms.
UNICEF’s flagship global report, The State of the World’s Children 2025, will be released on 20 November. To mark the occasion, iconic monuments across India will light up in blue under the #GoBlue campaign, symbolizing national support for child rights.
PROFILE: New UNICEF India Youth Advocates
Shyam Shukla, 15 — Road Safety Champion
A Helmet Ambassador and road-safety advocate, Shyam leads youth workshops and represented India at the World Health Regional Summit 2024. Through his initiative, Project Safe on Roads, he promotes youth-led solutions to reduce accidents and raise community awareness. He recently contributed to a Ministry of Health and Family Welfare consultation on adolescent wellbeing.
Prasiddhi Singh, 13 — Environmentalist and Founder of the Prasiddhi Forest Foundation
Prasiddhi has led the planting of over 2 lakh trees at more than 120 locations and aims to plant 10 million trees. She has established micro-forests, climate education programmes, and Green Brigades in 200+ schools, engaging over 1 million youth across 20 countries. A Child Ambassador for the Green Tamil Nadu Mission, she has represented India at COP28, COP29, COP30, G20, Y20, and various UN forums. Her honours include the Prime Minister’s National Child Award and the Diana Award (UK).
Unnathi Suranaa, 19 — Advocate for Inclusion and Mental Wellbeing
Unnathi is the first person with a disability to win the IB MYP Innovator Grant (2022) for advancing inclusive education. As Brand Ambassador for the Down Syndrome Federation of India, she has spoken at UNICEF’s National Consultation on Adolescent Mental Health and delivered a TEDx Talk on self-belief. She acted in the film “CRAZXY,” highlighting that people with Down Syndrome can excel. A trained Kuchipudi dancer and sportsperson, she runs a YouTube channel and podcast promoting neurodiversity